What Is Beriberi?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), which is essential for glucose metabolism and the proper functioning of the nervous system, heart, and muscles. This condition can manifest in two primary forms: wet beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular system, and dry beriberi, which impacts the nervous system.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of beriberi is inadequate dietary intake of thiamine. This is particularly prevalent in regions where the diet consists mainly of thiamine-poor foods, such as polished white rice. In Cambodia, for instance, infantile beriberi remains a significant public health concern due to the widespread consumption of thiamine-deficient white rice1.

Symptoms

The symptoms of beriberi vary depending on whether it is the wet or dry form.

• Wet Beriberi: This form primarily affects the cardiovascular system and can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and swelling of the lower legs due to fluid retention.
• Dry Beriberi: This form affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, and paralysis. In severe cases, it can cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious brain disorder.

Impact on Populations

Beriberi can have severe consequences, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants and pregnant women. In a study conducted in rural Cambodia, it was found that low maternal thiamine intake significantly reduces breast milk thiamine concentrations, thereby placing breastfed infants at a higher risk of developing beriberi1. The study highlighted that thiamine-fortified fish sauce could effectively increase thiamine levels in both mothers and infants, suggesting a potential preventive measure against infantile beriberi in such populations1.

Conclusion

Beriberi is a serious disease resulting from thiamine deficiency, with significant health impacts on both the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It remains a public health issue in regions with diets low in thiamine, such as areas where white rice is a staple food. Preventive measures, such as dietary supplementation with thiamine-fortified foods, can help mitigate the risk of this potentially fatal disease.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.